There was a good turnout of riders today. Prior to setting off on Alan's “nearly’ guided ride there was a standing ovation for Dave H and Ray last week's Dancing On Ice finalists. It was a two horse race as other contenders Steve T, Clive Steve Ha and Dave M had the sense to turn around and go home in their cars. See the 19th Jan ride report for their intrepid adventures.
At the Gallery Cafe Steve Ha bid us farewell as he planned to experience some joyous Welsh lanes before returning to Kelsall to take up his role as visitor exclusion officer. A brave troupe consisting of Alan (occasionally) ride leader, Dave H, Clive, Mike G, Richard, Steve T, Andy B, and Ray set off towards Wood lane. At this point it was apparent that Ray was pressing buttons faster than a teenager texts, and no power was being elicited from his mighty steed. At the foot of Col du Wood Lane Ray removed and re fitted the battery. Sparks resumed, electrons did their bit and motive power was resumed, so much so we rarely saw him the rest of the day as he was always at the front.
A number of small lanes took us to Penymydd, prompting Clive to remark I could have had another 30 mins in bed as we cruised past my gaff. Lower Mountain lane took us via Town Ditch Lane through the charming hamlet of Golly, Burton Green then onto Lavister. We then followed the classic route to Holt only for Alan to have introduced a new lane, Park Lane which, with a few junctions, led us into Gresford. Not a good winter option as the lane is more farm track than lane.
Leaving Gresford we passed under the railway arch and took a left fork on to Pentre Lane. Clearly Alan had decided it was time to sort out the peloton into walkers and riders. It was not so much the steep gradient, but more the relentless pulls upward.
Oxygen was duly consumed at the top as weary lactic acid filled muscles recovered. Revitalised we joined the busy Llay road before turning right towards Bradley and our lunch stop Alyn Waters Country Park Cafe. This venue was a CER starting point for a number of years until the winter early closing of 4pm necessitated a relocation. The most popular meal seemed to be “Welsh breakfast” which with a pot of tea came to a very reasonably £6.60.
It was at the point that Mike G advised his free hub had given up (on the Col du Pentre Lane) and he chose to limp back to Hawarden, hope you got back with little drama Mike.
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| Photo by Steve Hu |
Fully replete we set off re tracing our journey some 500 yds before plunging down through the woodland to climb up a suitably named “Blast Hill” I can assure no one blasted up it, it was tough on a stomach full of aforementioned Welsh breakfast! The route then wound through Abermorddu and into Hope. At this point Clive declined my offer to provide him with an “Alps style climb” back to “flat “ Kinnerton! Choosing a more suitable route he and Richard set off for Kinnerton and then on to Chester.
The remaining group circumnavigated Buckley before dropping down into Ewloe when Alan left for home and the remainder returned to Hawarden.
A pleasant January ride on mixed roads that were new to a number of riders.
Thanks to Alan for researching and planning the ride
See routemap and/or gpx file download
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